Bulletproof Garment

ABSTRACT

A garment comprising a bodice configured to absorb and dissipate the energy from a projectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof while providing mobility to the user is disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to copending U.S.provisional patent application 62/464,867, filed Feb. 28, 2017. Theentire disclosure of each of the aforementioned patent applications isincorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to garments capable of adsorption and dissipationof energy from a projectile, puncture, percussion wave, or anycombination thereof to provide protection while maintaining mobility toa user.

BACKGROUND

For some time now various types of protection have been designed andrealized for the human body against the harmful and above all lethaleffects deriving from cutting or bullet penetration in general.

The currently known armor systems are all based on the general conceptof a wearable garment. Although present day armor systems can providegreater protection, there is oftentimes a tradeoff between protectionand mobility due to the weight, garment construction, bulk and cost. Theweight and bulk of an armor system tends to be especially critical inpersonal armor (e.g. helmets and body armor). Furthermore, munitions arecontinually being invented to overcome the effectiveness of the armor.

Thus, there is a continuing and ongoing need to provide improvedballistic protection with a minimal mobility and weight penalty.

SUMMARY

Described herein, in one aspect, is a garment comprising a bodice havinga longitudinal axis, the bodice comprising: a) a front member (1)comprising: i) an inner surface (2) comprising a first sleeve (3)configured to receive a first bulletproof panel (4); ii) an outersurface (5) comprising a second sleeve (6) configured to receive asecond bulletproof panel (7), wherein the second sleeve is positionedparallel to the longitudinal axis (83) of the bodice; b) a back member(8) comprising: i) an inner surface (9) comprising a third sleeve (10)configured to receive a third bulletproof panel (11); ii) an outersurface (12) comprising: 1) one or more receptacles (13 a-13 c)configured to receive one or more of a fourth bulletproof panel (14); 2)a fourth sleeve (15) configured to receive a fifth bulletproof panel(16), wherein the fourth sleeve is positioned parallel to thelongitudinal axis (83) of the bodice; c) a first side member (17 a) anda second side member (17 b), each comprising: i) an inner surface (18),wherein the inner surface of each side member comprises a fifth sleeve(19) configured to receive a sixth bulletproof panel (20); ii) an outersurface (21), wherein the outer surface of each side membercomprises: 1) one or more of receptacles (22 a-22 c) configured toreceive one or more of a seventh bulletproof panel (23); 2) a sixthsleeve (24) configured to receive an eighth bulletproof panel (25),wherein the sixth sleeve is positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis(83) of the bodice; wherein the front member, the back member, the firstand the second side members together define a first arm opening, asecond arm opening, and a head opening; and wherein the bodice isconfigured to absorb and dissipate the energy from a projectile,puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof and provide mobilityto a user.

In some aspects, the front member of the bodice of the described garmentfurther comprises a) a first proximal end (26) and a first distal end(27); b) a central member (28) having a first end (29), a second end(30), a third end (31), and a fourth end (32), wherein the first end ofthe central member defines at least a first portion of the firstproximal end of the front member, and the second end of the centralmember defines at least a first portion of the first distal end of thefront member; and c) a first side wing member (33) and a second sidewing (34) member having a first (35), a second (36), a third (37), and afourth ends (38), wherein the first side wing member is configured to bein contact with the central member such that a third end of the firstside wing member contacts the third side of the central member and thethird end of the second wing member contacts the fourth end of thecentral member; wherein the first ends (35) of the each of the side wingmembers define at least a second portion of the first proximal end ofthe front member, and the second ends (36) of the each of the side wingmembers define at least a second portion of the first distal end of thefront member; wherein the fourth ends (38) of the each of the side wingmembers define a lateral end of the front member; and wherein both thefirst and the second side wing members are more flexible than thecentral member.

In still further aspects, the back member (8) of the bodice of thedescribed garment further comprises a) a first proximal end (60) and afirst distal end (61); b) a central member (62) having a first end (63),a second end (64), a third end (65) and a fourth end (66), wherein thefirst end of the central member defines at least a first portion of thefirst proximal end of the back member, and the second end of the centralmember defines at least a first portion of the first distal end of theback member; and c) a third side wing member (67) and a fourth side wingmember (68) having a first end (69), a second end (70), a third end(71), and a fourth end (72), wherein the third side wing member isconfigured to be in contact with the central member such that a thirdend of the third side wing member contacts the third side of the centralmember and the third end of the fourth wing member contacts the fourthend of the central member, wherein the first ends of the each of theside wing members define at least a second portion of the first proximalend of the back member, and the second ends of the each of the side wingmembers define at least a second portion of the first distal end of theback member; wherein the fourth ends of the each of the side wingmembers defines a lateral end of the back member; and wherein both thethird and the fourth side wing members are more flexible than thecentral member of the back member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the inventionwill become more apparent in the detailed description in which referenceis made to the appended drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts (a) a front view of a front member of one embodiment ofan exemplary garment; (b) a side view of a front member of oneembodiment of an exemplary garment; and (c) exemplary bulletproof panelsin one embodiment.

FIG. 2 depicts (a) a front view of a back member of one embodiment of anexemplary garment; (b) a side view of a back member of one embodiment ofan exemplary garment; and (c) exemplary bulletproof panels in oneembodiment.

FIG. 3 depicts (a) an exemplary sleeve positioned on a back member ofone embodiment of an exemplary garment; and (b) exemplary bulletproofpanels in one embodiment.

FIG. 4 depicts (a) a front view of a side member of one embodiment of anexemplary garment; and (b) exemplary bulletproof panels in oneembodiment.

FIG. 5 depicts (a) a front view of a front member of one embodiment ofan exemplary garment; and (b) exemplary bulletproof panels in oneembodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts (a) a front view of a front member of one embodiment ofan exemplary garment; and (b) exemplary bulletproof panels in oneembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, andtheir previous and following description. However, before the presentdevices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that this invention is not limited to the specificdevices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified,as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description of the invention is provided as an enablingteaching of the invention in its best, currently known embodiment. Tothis end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize andappreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of theinvention described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial resultsof the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of thedesired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selectingsome of the features of the present invention without utilizing otherfeatures. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize thatmany modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possibleand can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of thepresent invention. Thus, the following description is provided asillustrative of the principles of the present invention and not inlimitation thereof.

A. Definitions

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to “a bulletproof panel” can include two or moresuch panels, unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular valueand/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described feature, event or circumstance may or may notoccur, and that the description includes instances where said feature,event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also includes any combination of members of that list.

The term “bulletproof panel” as used herein refers to any panel capableof resisting or absorbing the impact of a bullet, absorbing anddissipating the energy from a projectile, puncture, percussion wave, ora combination thereof.

B. Bulletproof Garment

In one aspect, disclosed herein is a garment comprising a bodice havinga longitudinal axis, wherein the bodice comprises: (a) a front member(1) comprising: i) an inner surface (2) comprising a first sleeve (3)configured to receive a first bulletproof panel (4); ii) an outersurface (5) comprising a second sleeve (6) configured to receive asecond bulletproof panel (7), wherein the second sleeve is positionedparallel to the longitudinal axis (83) of the bodice; b) a back member(8) comprising: i) an inner surface (9) comprising a third sleeve (10)configured to receive a third bulletproof panel (11); ii) an outersurface (12) comprising: 1) one or more receptacles (13 a-13 c)configured to receive one or more of a fourth bulletproof panel (14); 2)a fourth sleeve (15) configured to receive a fifth bulletproof panel(16), wherein the fourth sleeve is positioned parallel to thelongitudinal axis (83) of the bodice; c) a first side member (17 a) anda second side member (17 b), each comprising: i) an inner surface (18),wherein the inner surface of each side member comprises a fifth sleeve(19) configured to receive a sixth bulletproof panel (20); ii) an outersurface (21), wherein the outer surface of each side membercomprises: 1) one or more of receptacles (22 a-22 c) configured toreceive one or more of a seventh bulletproof panel (23); 2) a sixthsleeve (24) configured to receive an eighth bulletproof panel (25),wherein the sixth sleeve is positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis(83) of the bodice; wherein the front member, the back member, the firstand the second side members together define a first arm opening, asecond arm opening, and a head opening; and wherein the bodice isconfigured to absorb and dissipate the energy from a projectile,puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof and provide mobilityto a user.

1. Front Member

In some exemplary aspects, the front member can be represented by FIGS.1-3. In some aspects, and as demonstrated in FIG. 1(a-c) the frontmember (1) comprises an inner surface (2) and outer surface (5). In yetother aspects, the inner surface (2) of the front member (1) cancomprise a first sleeve (3) configured to receive a first bulletproofpanel (4). In yet other aspects, the front member can further comprisean outer surface (5) comprising a second sleeve (6) configured toreceive a second bulletproof panel (7), wherein the second sleeve ispositioned parallel to the longitudinal axis (83) of the bodice. It isunderstood that the front member of the bodice is designed to protect auser's torso from a projectile, puncture, percussion wave, or acombination thereof.

In certain aspects, the term “sleeve” refers to a partially enclosedspace having fourth sides: a first side, a second side, a third side andthe fourth side; a first surface and a second surface, wherein the firstsurface is defined by either an inner or outer surface of the frontmember, back member or the side member, depending on the sleevelocation, and wherein the second surface of the sleeve represent theoutmost surface of the front, back, or the side member. In furtheraspects, the sleeve described herein is configured to receive abulletproof panel. It is understood that the sleeve has at least oneopening, wherein the opening can be located on any of the fourth sidesof the sleeve, or a body of the sleeve. In other aspects, the sleeve canhave at least two openings. In yet other aspects, the sleeve can have atleast three openings. In still further aspects, the sleeve can have anopening on each of the four sides of the sleeve. In yet other aspects,the sleeve can have an opening across a body of the sleeve.

It is further understood that the dimensions of the sleeve are sized tocomfortably fit a bulletproof panel and to ensure its secure positionwithin the sleeve. In some aspects, the opening is sized to the size ofthe bulletproof panel. It is further understood that all disclosedbulletproof panels can be secured within the sleeve with a fastener. Insome aspects, the fastener can be located on the sleeve and/or thepanel. In other aspects, the fastener is located on the first and thesecond surfaces of the sleeve. The fastener can comprise a hook and aloop fastener, a magnet, a button, a hook, a snap, or any combinationthereof.

In further aspects, the front member of the bodice further comprises afirst proximal end (26) and a first distal end (27) (FIG. 1 (a)). In yetother aspects, the front member of the bodice, further comprises acentral member (28) having a first end (29), a second end (30), a thirdend (31), and a fourth end (32), wherein the first end of the centralmember defines at least a first portion of the first proximal end of thefront member, and the second end of the central member defines at leasta first portion of the first distal end of the front member. In certainaspects, the first sleeve of the front member of the bodice is locatedon the central member. In these aspects, the first surface of the firstsleeve is defined by the inner surface of the front member; the firstside of the sleeve is defined by the first proximal end, the second sideof the sleeve is defined by the first distal end, the third side of thesleeve is defined by the third end of the central member and the fourthside of the sleeve is defined by the fourth end of the central member.

In yet further aspects, the front member of the bodice of the disclosedgarment comprises a first side wing member (33) and a second side wing(34) member having a first (35), a second (36), a third (37), and afourth ends (38), wherein the first side wing member is configured to bein contact with the central member such that a third end of the firstside wing member contacts the third side of the central member and thethird end of the second wing member contacts the fourth end of thecentral member. In yet other aspect, the first ends (35) of the each ofthe side wing members can define at least a second portion of the firstproximal end of the front member, and the second ends (36) of the eachof the side wing members can define at least a second portion of thefirst distal end of the front member, wherein the fourth ends (38) ofthe each of the side wing members can define a lateral end of the frontmember. In still further aspects, the central member, the first and thesecond side wing members are flexible. In yet other aspects, both thefirst and the second side wing members are more flexible than thecentral member.

In certain aspects, at least one first bulletproof panel (4) (FIG. 1(c))is present. In other aspects, at least two or more first bulletproofpanels are present. In still other aspects, if more than one firstbulletproof panel is present, the first bulletproof panels can bearranged in any configuration known in the art. In some exemplaryaspects, wherein at least two or more first bulletproof panels arepresent, the panels are stacked on each other, and thereby overlay eachother in whole or in part. In yet other exemplary aspects, wherein atleast two or more first bulletproof panels are present, the panels areplaced adjacent to each other.

In some aspects, the first bulletproof panel has a size substantiallyidentical to the size of the first sleeve. In yet other aspects, thefirst bulletproof panel can have a size smaller the size of the firstsleeve. In still further aspects, the first bulletproof panel can havethe same length as the first sleeve. In other aspects, the firstbulletproof panel can have the same width as the first sleeve. In stillfurther aspects, the first bulletproof panel can have same length andwidth as the first sleeve. It is understood that if more than one firstbulletproof panel is present, each of the present first bulletproofpanels can have any size to accommodate the dimensions of the firstsleeve. In some exemplary, not limiting aspects, at least one of the atleast two or more first bulletproof panels has a size substantiallyidentical to the dimensions of the first sleeve. In yet other exemplary,not limiting aspects, at least one of the at least two or more firstbulletproof panels has a size smaller than the size of the first sleeve.It is further understood that a number of the first bulletproof panelspresent can be easily adjusted by a user and depend on a specificapplication and a desired weight of the garment.

In certain aspects, the first bulletproof panel (4) can comprise anymaterial capable of adsorbing or dissipating the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof. In yetother aspects, the first bulletproof panel can comprise any materialthat in addition to be able to adsorb and dissipate the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof, is alsoexhibit light weight and provides mobility to a user. In some aspect,the first bulletproof panel can comprise carbon boride, aluminoxynitride, siliconaluminoxy nitride, silicon, metal, and a combinationthereof.

In certain aspects, the second sleeve (6) of the front member of thebodice is located on the central member (28) (FIG. 1(a-b)). In yet otheraspect, the second sleeve is located in a center region of the centralmember of the front member. In these aspects, the first surface of thesecond sleeve is defined by the outer surface of the front member. Insome aspects, the second sleeve has a length substantially identical toa length of the front member. In these aspects, a first side of thesecond sleeve is defined by a portion of the first proximal end of thefront member; the second side of the second sleeve is defined by aportion of the first distal end of the front member. In yet stillfurther aspects, the second sleeve is extending between a portion of thefirst proximal end of the front member and a portion of the first distalend of the front member. In yet other aspects, the second sleeve canhave a length that is shorter than a length of the front member. Instill further aspects, the first side of the second sleeve is defined bya portion of the first proximal end of the front member, while thesecond side of the second sleeve is located at least about 1 inch, atleast about 2 inch, at least about 3 inch, at least about 4 inch, or atleast about 5 inch above the first distal end of the front member. Instill further aspects, the second side of the second sleeve is definedby a portion of the first distal end of the front member, wherein thefirst side of the second sleeve is located at least about 1 inch, atleast about 2 inch, at least about 3 inch, at least about 4 inch, or atleast about 5 inch below the first proximal end of the front member.

In some exemplary aspects, as shown on FIG. 1 (a-b) the second sleeve(6) can have a width that is substantially narrower than a width of thecentral member (28). In still further aspects, the second sleeve canhave a width that is substantially identical or wider than a width ofsternum of an average user. In some aspects, the second sleeve comprisesat least one second bulletproof panel (7) (FIG. 1(c)). In certainaspects, a location of the second sleeve comprising the secondbulletproof panel on the central member is chosen to protect the user'ssternum and organs disposed behind the sternum.

In still further aspects, the second sleeve can have at least oneopening. In still further aspects, the second sleeve can have at leasttwo openings. In some aspects, the at least one opening can be locatedacross the length of the second sleeve. In yet other aspect, at leastone opening is located across the width of the second sleeve.

In other aspects, at least two or more second bulletproof panels arepresent. In still other aspects, if more than one second bulletproofpanel is present, the second bulletproof panels can be arranged in anyconfiguration known in the art. In some exemplary aspects, wherein atleast two or more second bulletproof panels are present, the panels arestacked on each other. In yet other exemplary aspects, wherein at leasttwo or more second bulletproof panels are present, the panels are placedadjacent to each other.

In some aspects, the second bulletproof panel has a size substantiallyidentical to the size of the second sleeve. In yet other aspects, thesecond bulletproof panel can have a size smaller than the size of thesecond sleeve. In still further aspects, the second bulletproof panelcan have the same length as the second sleeve. In other aspects, thesecond bulletproof panel can have the same width as the second sleeve.In still further aspects, the second bulletproof panel can have samelength and width as the second sleeve. It is understood that if morethan one second bulletproof panel is present, each of the present secondbulletproof panels can have any size to accommodate the dimensions ofthe second sleeve. In some exemplary, not limiting aspects, at least oneof the at least two or more second bulletproof panels has a sizesubstantially identical to the dimensions of the second sleeve. In yetother exemplary, not limiting aspects, at least one of the at least twoor more second bulletproof panels has a size smaller than the size ofthe second sleeve. It is further understood that a number of the secondbulletproof panels present can be easily adjusted by a user and dependon a specific application and a desired weight of the garment.

In certain aspects, the second bulletproof panel can comprise anymaterial capable of adsorbing or dissipating the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof. In yetother aspects, the second bulletproof panel can comprise any materialthat in addition to be able to adsorb and dissipate the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof, is alsoexhibit light weight and provides mobility to a user. In some aspect,the second bulletproof panel can comprise carbon boride, aluminoxynitride, siliconaluminoxy nitride, silicon, metal, and a combinationthereof.

In some exemplary aspects, and as shown on FIG. 1 (a-c), the outersurface of the front member can further comprise a seventh sleeve (41)located on the central member of the front member and orientedperpendicularly to the longitudinal axis (83) of the bodice. In otheraspects, the seventh sleeve is configured to receive a ninth bulletproofpanel (42).

In some aspects, the seventh sleeve (41) is located on the centralmember of the front member. It is understood that the seventh sleeve canbe placed at any location on the central member perpendicularly to thelongitudinal axis of the bodice. In some aspects, the seventh sleeve canbe located at least about 1 inch, at least about 2 inch, at least about3 inch, at least about 5 inch, at least about 6 inch, at least about 7inch, at least about 8 inch, at least about 9, or about 10 inch abovethe first distal end of the front member. In yet other aspects, theseventh sleeve can overlay the second sleeve. In still further aspects,the second sleeve can overlay of the seventh sleeve. In certain aspects,the location of the seventh sleeve is chosen by one of ordinary skill inthe art to protect underlying user's organs from a ballistic impact.

In some aspects, the seventh sleeve (41) extends between the third endand the fourth end of the central member. In certain aspects, the lengthof the seventh sleeve can be substantially identical to a width of thecentral member of the front member. In yet other aspects, the length ofthe seventh sleeve can be at least about 2%, at least about 5%, at leastabout 10% shorter than a width of the central member. In still furtheraspects, the length of the seventh sleeve can be adjusted to ensure thatdesired internal organs of the user are protected from a ballisticimpact.

In still further aspects, the seventh sleeve (41) can have a width ofabout 1 to about 10 inch, including exemplary values of about 2 inch,about 3 inch, about 4 inch, about 5 inch, about 6 inch, about 7 inch,about 8 inch, and about 9 inch. In yet other aspects, the width of theseventh sleeve can be any value in the range between any two foregoingvalues.

In some aspects, the seventh sleeve (41) has at least one openingconfigured to receive the ninth bulletproof panel (42). In otheraspects, the seventh sleeve has at least two openings, each configuredto receive the ninth bulletproof panel. In some aspects, the opening islocated across the length of the seventh sleeve. In other aspects, theopening is located across the width of the seventh sleeve.

In other aspects, at least two or more ninth bulletproof panels arepresent. In still other aspects, if more than one ninth bulletproofpanel is present, the ninth bulletproof panels can be arranged in anyconfiguration known in the art. In some exemplary aspects, wherein atleast two or more ninth bulletproof panels are present, the panels arestacked on each other, or overlay each other. In yet other exemplaryaspects, wherein at least two or more ninth bulletproof panels arepresent, the panels are placed adjacent to each other. In certainaspects, the ninth bulletproof panel can have any shape known in theart. In certain aspects, a shape of the one or more of ninth bulletproofpanels, each individually can be triangular, trapezoidal, rectangular,circular, or any combination thereof.

In some aspects, the ninth bulletproof panel (42) has a sizesubstantially identical to the size of the seventh sleeve (41). In yetother aspects, the ninth bulletproof panel can have a size smaller thesize of the seventh sleeve. In still further aspects, the ninthbulletproof panel can have the same length as the seventh sleeve. Inother aspects, the ninth bulletproof panel can have the same width asthe seventh sleeve. In still further aspects, the ninth bulletproofpanel can have same length and width as the seventh sleeve. It isunderstood that if more than one ninth bulletproof panel is present,each of the present ninth bulletproof panels can have any size toaccommodate the dimensions of the seventh sleeve. In some exemplary, notlimiting aspects, at least one of the at least two or more ninthbulletproof panels has a size substantially identical to the dimensionsof the seventh sleeve. In yet other exemplary, not limiting aspects, atleast one of the at least two or more ninth bulletproof panels has asize smaller than the size of the seventh sleeve. It is furtherunderstood that a number of the ninth bulletproof panels present can beeasily adjusted by a user and depend on a specific application and adesired weight of the garment.

In certain aspects, the ninth bulletproof panel (42) can comprise anymaterial capable of adsorbing or dissipating the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof. In yetother aspects, the ninth bulletproof panel can comprise any materialthat in addition to be able to adsorb and dissipate the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof, is alsoexhibit light weight and provides mobility to a user. In some aspect,the ninth bulletproof panel can comprise carbon boride, aluminoxynitride, siliconaluminoxy nitride, silicon, metal, and a combinationthereof.

In still further aspects and as shown on FIG. 2 (a-b), the outer surfaceof the front member can further comprise an eighth sleeve, wherein theeighth sleeve (43 a) is located on a left side of the central member ofthe front member. In some aspects, the eighth sleeve is configured toreceive at least one tenth bulletproof panel (44-47). In some aspects,the eighth sleeve is also located on a left side of the second sleeve.In certain aspects, the eighth sleeve is located at least about 2 inchleft from the second sleeve, at least about 3 inch left from the secondsleeve, at least 4 inch left from the second sleeve, or at least 5 inchleft from the second sleeve. In yet other aspects, the eighth sleeve canbe located anywhere between the second sleeve and the third end of thecentral member.

In some aspects, the eighth sleeve (43 a) can have any size. In yetother aspects, the eighth sleeve is sized to fit at least one tenthbulletproof panel (44-47). In still further aspects, one or more of thetenth bulletproof panels (44-47) are present (FIG. 2 (a-b)).

In other aspects, at least two or more tenth bulletproof panels arepresent. In still other aspects, if more than one tenth bulletproofpanel is present, the tenth bulletproof panels can be arranged in anyconfiguration known in the art. In some exemplary aspects, wherein atleast two or more tenth bulletproof panels are present, the panels arestacked on each other or overlay each other. In yet other exemplaryaspects, wherein at least two or more tenth bulletproof panels arepresent, the panels are placed adjacent to each other.

In some aspects, the tenth bulletproof panel (44-47) has a sizesubstantially identical to the size of the eighth sleeve (43 a). In yetother aspects, the tenth bulletproof panel can have a size smaller thesize of the eighth sleeve. In still further aspects, the tenthbulletproof panel can have the same length as the eighth sleeve. Inother aspects, the tenth bulletproof panel can have the same width asthe eighth sleeve. In still further aspects, the tenth bulletproof panelcan have same length and width as the eighth sleeve. It is understoodthat if more than one tenth bulletproof panel is present, each of thepresent tenth bulletproof panels can have any size to accommodate thedimensions of the eighth sleeve. In some exemplary, not limitingaspects, at least one of the at least two or more tenth bulletproofpanels has a size substantially identical to the dimensions of theeighth sleeve. In yet other exemplary, not limiting aspects, at leastone of the at least two or more tenth bulletproof panels has a sizesmaller than the size of the eighth sleeve. It is further understoodthat a number of the tenth bulletproof panels present can be easilyadjusted by a user and depend on a specific application and a desiredweight of the garment.

In certain aspects, the tenth bulletproof panel (44-47) can comprise anymaterial capable of adsorbing or dissipating the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof. In yetother aspects, the tenth bulletproof panel can comprise any materialthat in addition to be able to adsorb and dissipate the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof, is alsoexhibit light weight and provides mobility to a user. In some aspect,the tenth bulletproof panel can comprise carbon boride, aluminoxynitride, siliconaluminoxy nitride, silicon, metal, and a combinationthereof.

In still further aspects, the one or more of tenth bulletproof panels(44-47) each individually can have known in the art shape. In someaspects, a shape of the one or more of tenth bulletproof panels (44-47)(FIG. 2 (a-b)), each individually can be triangular, trapezoidal,rectangular, circular, or any combination thereof. In still furtheraspects, if more than one of tenth bulletproof panels is present, thepanels can be the same or different.

In still further aspects and as shown on FIG. 2 (a-b), the outer surfaceof the front member can further comprise an ninth sleeve (43 b), whereinthe ninth sleeve is located on a right side of the central member of thefront member. In some aspects, the ninth sleeve is configured to receiveat least one eleventh bulletproof panel (44). In some aspects, the ninthsleeve is also located on a right side from the second sleeve. Incertain aspects, the ninth sleeve is located at least about 2 inch leftfrom the second sleeve, at least about 3 inch left from the secondsleeve, at least 4 inch left from the second sleeve, or at least 5 inchleft from the second sleeve. In yet other aspects, the ninth sleeve canbe located anywhere between the second sleeve and the fourth end of thecentral member.

In some aspects, the ninth sleeve (43 b) can have any size. In yet otheraspects, the ninth sleeve is sized to fit at least one eleventhbulletproof panel (44). In still further aspects, one or more of theeleventh bulletproof panels (44-47) (FIG. 2 (a-b)) are present.

In other aspects, at least two or more eleventh bulletproof panels (44)are present. In still other aspects, if more than one eleventhbulletproof panel is present, the eleventh bulletproof panels can bearranged in any configuration known in the art. In some exemplaryaspects, wherein at least two or more eleventh bulletproof panels arepresent, the panels are stacked on each other or overlay each other. Inyet other exemplary aspects, wherein at least two or more eleventhbulletproof panels are present, the panels are placed adjacent to eachother.

In some aspects, the eleventh bulletproof panel (44) has a sizesubstantially identical to the size of the ninth sleeve (43 b). In yetother aspects, the eleventh bulletproof panel can have a size smallerthe size of the ninth sleeve. In still further aspects, the eleventhbulletproof panel can have the same length as the ninth sleeve. In otheraspects, the eleventh bulletproof panel can have the same width as theninth sleeve. In still further aspects, the eleventh bulletproof panelcan have same length and width as the ninth sleeve. It is understoodthat if more than one eleventh bulletproof panel is present, each of thepresent eleventh bulletproof panels can have any size to accommodate thedimensions of the ninth sleeve. In some exemplary, not limiting aspects,at least one of the at least two or more eleventh bulletproof panels hasa size substantially identical to the dimensions of the ninth sleeve. Inyet other exemplary, not limiting aspects, at least one of the at leasttwo or more eleventh bulletproof panels has a size smaller than the sizeof the ninth sleeve. It is further understood that a number of theeleventh bulletproof panels present can be easily adjusted by a user anddepend on a specific application and a desired weight of the garment.

In certain aspects, the eleventh bulletproof panel (44) can comprise anymaterial capable of adsorbing or dissipating the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof. In yetother aspects, the eleventh bulletproof panel can comprise any materialthat in addition to be able to adsorb and dissipate the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof, is alsoexhibit light weight and provides mobility to a user. In some aspect,the eleventh bulletproof panel can comprise carbon boride, aluminoxynitride, siliconaluminoxy nitride, silicon, metal, and a combinationthereof.

In still further aspects, the one or more of eleventh bulletproof panelseach individually can have known in the art shape (44). In some aspects,a shape of the one or more of eleventh bulletproof panels (44-47) (FIG.2 (a-b)), each individually can be triangular, trapezoidal, rectangular,circular, or any combination thereof. In still further aspects, if morethan one of eleventh bulletproof panels is present, the panels can bethe same or different.

It is further understood that the eighth sleeve (43 a) and the ninthsleeve (43 b) can be located at a predetermined distance from the secondsleeve. In some aspects, the predetermined distance from the secondsleeve can be the same for the eighth sleeve and the ninth sleeve. Inother aspects, the distance from the second sleeve to eighth sleeve isnot the same as the distance from the second sleeve to the ninth sleeve.

In still further aspects, the outer surface of the front member asdemonstrated on FIG. 2 (a) can further comprise a decorative member(48). In some aspects, one or more decorative members (48) can bepresent. In still further aspects, the decorative member can be placedanywhere on the front member. In certain aspects, the decorative membercan be any member known in the art that can provide an esthetic,marketing, promotional, or any other value. In some aspects, thedecorative member (48) can be a button, a logo, an emblem, a design, orany combination thereof.

In still further aspects and as demonstrated on FIG. 3 (a-b), the outersurface of the front member can further comprise one or more receptacles(49) configured to receive one or more of a twelfth bulletproof panel(50). It is further understood that in some aspects, each of the one ormore receptacles is configured to receive one or more of the twelfthbulletproof panel.

In certain aspects, wherein the one or more of the twelfth bulletproofpanels are present, each of the one or more of twelfth bulletproofpanels is configured to be interconnected with at least one othertwelfth bulletproof panel to provide flexibility to the front member. Instill other aspects, the one or more receptacles containing one or moreof the twelfth bulletproof panels are all interconnected to provideflexibility to the front member. In certain aspects, each of the one ormore receptacles is connected to at least one other receptacle. In someaspects, the one or more receptacles are located on the central member.In other aspects, the one or more receptacles are located on the centralmember and on the first and the second side wing members.

In still further aspects, the one or more receptacles are placed tooverlay the second sleeve, the seventh sleeve, the eights sleeve, or theninth sleeve, or a combination thereof. In still further aspects, theone or more of receptacles are located under the second sleeve, theseventh sleeve, the eights sleeve, or the ninth sleeve, or a combinationthereof.

In other aspects, if one or more twelfth bulletproof panels are presentin one receptacle, the one or more twelfth bulletproof panels can bearranged in any known configuration. In some aspects, if at least twotwelfth bulletproof panels are present in one receptacle, the panels canbe stacked on each other, overlay each other, or to be placed inadjacent to each other.

In some aspects, the twelfth bulletproof panel has a size substantiallyidentical to the size of the one or more receptacle. In yet otheraspects, the twelfth bulletproof panel can have a size smaller the sizeof the one or more receptacle. In still further aspects, the twelfthbulletproof panel can have the same length as the one or morereceptacle. In other aspects, the twelfth bulletproof panel can have thesame width as the one or more receptacle. In still further aspects, thetwelfth bulletproof panel can have same length and width as the one ormore receptacle. It is understood that if more than one twelfthbulletproof panel, in the same receptacle, is present, each of thepresent twelfth bulletproof panels can have any size to accommodate thedimensions of the one or more receptacle. In some exemplary, notlimiting aspects, at least one of the at least two or more twelfthbulletproof panels has a size substantially identical to the dimensionsof the one or more receptacle. In yet other exemplary, not limitingaspects, at least one of the at least two or more twelfth bulletproofpanels has a size smaller than the size of the one or more receptacle.It is further understood that a number of the twelfth bulletproof panelspresent can be easily adjusted by a user and depend on a specificapplication and a desired weight of the garment.

In certain aspects, the twelfth bulletproof panel can comprise anymaterial capable of adsorbing or dissipating the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof. In yetother aspects, the twelfth bulletproof panel can comprise any materialthat in addition to be able to adsorb and dissipate the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof, is alsoexhibit light weight and provides mobility to a user. In some aspect,the twelfth bulletproof panel can comprise carbon boride, aluminoxynitride, siliconaluminoxy nitride, silicon, metal, and a combinationthereof. In still further aspects, the twelfth bullet panel can comprisea metal.

In still further aspects, the one or more of twelfth bulletproof panelseach individually can have known in the art shape. In some aspects, ashape of the one or more of twelfth bulletproof panels each individuallycan be triangular, trapezoidal, rectangular, circular, or anycombination thereof. In still further aspects, if more than one oftwelfth bulletproof panels is present, the panels can be the same ordifferent.

In further aspects, and as demonstrated on FIG. 1 (a), the front membercan further comprise at least one attachment member (39, 40). In someaspects, the at least one attachment member (39, 40) is a hook and aloop fastener, a magnet, a button, a hook, a snap, or any combinationthereof. It is understood that in some aspects, the attachment membercan be used to connect the front member with at least a back member (8).In yet other aspects, the attachment member can be used to connect thefront member with the first side member. In still further aspects, theattachment member can be used to connect the front member with thesecond side member. It is understood that a number of attachment memberscan be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art depending on aspecific configuration. In some exemplary aspects, at least twoattachment members are present. In such configuration, the attachmentmembers can be used to connect the front member with the first sidemember, with the second side member and with the back member.

In other aspects, the at least one attachment member (39, 40) can belocated anywhere on the front member. In some aspects, the at least oneattachment member (39, 40) can be located on the first proximal end ofthe front member. In other aspects, the at least one attachment member(39, 40) can be located on the first wing of the front member. In stillother aspects, the at least one attachment member (39, 40) can belocated on the second wing of the front member. In yet other aspects,the at least one attachment member (39, 40) can be located on the firstproximal end of the front member; the first wing of the front member; onthe second wing of the front member; or a combination thereof.

2. Shoulder Member

In still further aspects, the front member of the disclosed garment canfurther comprise a first and a second shoulder member (51) (FIG. 3(a-b)). In certain aspects, each of the first and the second shouldmember is having an inner surface and an outer surface. In certainaspects, the inner surface of the each of the first and the secondshoulder member (51) can comprise a tenth sleeve (52). In other aspects,the tenth sleeve is configured to receive a thirteenth bulletproof panel(53) (FIG. 3 (a-b)). In certain aspects, the tenth sleeve is configuredto receive one or more of thirteenth bulletproof panels. In stillfurther aspects, the tenth sleeve is configured to receive at least twothirteenth bulletproof panels.

In some aspects, one or more thirteenth bulletproof panels are present.In other aspects, at least two or more thirteenth bulletproof panels arepresent. In still other aspects, if more than one thirteenth bulletproofpanel is present, the thirteenth bulletproof panels can be arranged inany configuration known in the art. In some exemplary aspects, whereinat least two or more thirteenth bulletproof panels are present, thepanels are stacked on each other or overlay each other. In yet otherexemplary aspects, wherein at least two or more thirteenth bulletproofpanels are present, the panels are placed adjacent to each other.

In some aspects, the thirteenth bulletproof panel has a sizesubstantially identical to the size of the tenth sleeve (52). In yetother aspects, the thirteenth bulletproof panel can have a size smallerthe size of the tenth sleeve. In still further aspects, the thirteenthbulletproof panel can have the same length as the tenth sleeve. In otheraspects, the thirteenth bulletproof panel can have the same width as thetenth sleeve. In still further aspects, the thirteenth bulletproof panelcan have same length and width as the tenth sleeve. It is understoodthat if more than one thirteenth bulletproof panel is present, each ofthe present thirteenth bulletproof panels can have any size toaccommodate the dimensions of the tenth sleeve. In some exemplary, notlimiting aspects, at least one of the at least two or more thirteenthbulletproof panels has a size substantially identical to the dimensionsof the tenth sleeve. In yet other exemplary, not limiting aspects, atleast one of the at least two or more thirteenth bulletproof panels hasa size smaller than the size of the tenth sleeve. It is furtherunderstood that a number of the thirteenth bulletproof panels presentcan be easily adjusted by a user and depend on a specific applicationand a desired weight of the garment.

In certain aspects, the thirteenth bulletproof panel can comprise anymaterial capable of adsorbing or dissipating the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof. In yetother aspects, the thirteenth bulletproof panel can comprise anymaterial that in addition to be able to adsorb and dissipate the energyfrom a projectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof,is also exhibit light weight and provides mobility to a user. In someaspect, the thirteenth bulletproof panel can comprise carbon boride,aluminoxy nitride, siliconaluminoxy nitride, silicon, metal, and acombination thereof. In still further aspects, the thirteenthbulletproof panel comprises silicon.

In still further aspects, the one or more of thirteenth bulletproofpanels each individually can have known in the art shape. In someaspects, a shape of the one or more of thirteenth bulletproof panels,each individually can be triangular, trapezoidal, rectangular, circular,or any combination thereof. In still further aspects, if more than oneof thirteenth bulletproof panels is present, the panels can be the sameor different.

In other aspects, the first and the second shoulder members areconfigured to be connected to the front member and the back member ofthe bodice.

3. Neck Member

In some aspects, and as shown on FIG. 2 (a-b), the garment describedherein can further comprise at least one neck guard member (54, 55)having an inner surface (56, 56 a) and an outer surface (57, 57 a). Inother aspects, the inner surface of the at least one neck guard membercan comprise an eleventh sleeve (58, 58 a). In still other aspects, theeleventh sleeve is configured to receive a fourteenth bulletproof panel(59). In some aspects, the eleventh sleeve can have at least one openingconfigured to receive a fourteenth bulletproof panel. In other aspects,the eleventh sleeve can have at least two openings configured to receivea fourteenth bulletproof panel (59). In still further aspects, theeleventh sleeve can have an opening across a length of the sleeve. Inother aspects, the eleventh sleeve can have an opening across a width ofthe sleeve.

In some aspects, the at least one neck guard member (54, 55) is aflexible neck guard member configured to adjust to a circumference ofneck. In these aspects, the length of the neck guard member can beadjusted to fit a circumference of the user's neck.

In some aspects, one or more fourteenth bulletproof panels are present.In other aspects, at least two or more fourteenth bulletproof panels arepresent. In still other aspects, if more than one fourteenth bulletproofpanel is present, the fourteenth bulletproof panels can be arranged inany configuration known in the art. In some exemplary aspects, whereinat least two or more fourteenth bulletproof panels are present, thepanels are stacked on each other or overlay each other. In yet otherexemplary aspects, wherein at least two or more fourteenth bulletproofpanels are present, the panels are placed adjacent to each other.

In some aspects, the fourteenth bulletproof panel (59) has a sizesubstantially identical to the size of the eleventh sleeve (58, 58 a).In yet other aspects, the fourteenth bulletproof panel can have a sizesmaller the size of the eleventh sleeve. In still further aspects, thefourteenth bulletproof panel can have the same length as the eleventhsleeve. In other aspects, the fourteenth bulletproof panel can have thesame width as the eleventh sleeve. In still further aspects, thefourteenth bulletproof panel can have same length and width as theeleventh sleeve. It is understood that if more than one fourteenthbulletproof panel is present, each of the present fourteenth bulletproofpanels can have any size to accommodate the dimensions of the eleventhsleeve. In some exemplary, not limiting aspects, at least one of the atleast two or more fourteenth bulletproof panels has a size substantiallyidentical to the dimensions of the eleventh sleeve. In yet otherexemplary, not limiting aspects, at least one of the at least two ormore fourteenth bulletproof panels has a size smaller than the size ofthe eleventh sleeve. It is further understood that a number of thefourteenth bulletproof panels present can be easily adjusted by a userand depend on a specific application and a desired weight of thegarment.

In certain aspects, the fourteenth bulletproof panel (59) can compriseany material capable of adsorbing or dissipating the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof. In yetother aspects, the fourteenth bulletproof panel can comprise anymaterial that in addition to be able to adsorb and dissipate the energyfrom a projectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof,is also exhibit light weight and provides mobility to a user. In someaspect, the fourteenth bulletproof pane can comprise carbon boride,aluminoxy nitride, siliconaluminoxy nitride, silicon, metal, and acombination thereof.

In still further aspects, the one or more of fourteenth bulletproofpanels each individually can have known in the art shape. In stillfurther aspects, if more than one of fourteenth bulletproof panels ispresent, the panels can be the same or different.

In still further aspects, the at least one neck guard member isconfigured to connect with the shoulder member (51), the front member(1), the back member (8), or a combination thereof.

4. Back Member

In some aspects, the described garment can comprise a back member. Incertain aspects as shown on FIG. 4 (a-c), the back member (8) cancomprises an inner surface (9) and outer surface (12). In yet otheraspects, the inner surface (9) can comprise a third sleeve (10)configured to receive a third bulletproof panel (11). In still furtheraspects, the back member can further comprise an outer surface (12)comprising one or more receptacles (13 a-13 c) configured to receive oneor more of a fourth bulletproof panel (14). In yet other aspects, theouter surface of the back member can further comprise a fourth sleeve(15) configured to receive a fifth bulletproof panel (16), wherein thefourth sleeve is positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis (83) ofthe bodice. It is understood that the back member of the bodice isdesigned to protect a user's back and all internal organs thereof from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof.

As described above, it is further understood that the dimensions of anydisclosed sleeves are sized to comfortably fit a bulletproof panel andto ensure its secure position within the sleeve. In some aspects, theopening of the sleeve is sized to the size of the bulletproof panel.

In yet further aspects, and as shown in FIG. 4 (a-c), the back member(8) comprises a first proximal end (60) and a first distal end (61). Instill further aspects, the back member (8) comprises a central member(62) having a first end (63), a second end (64), a third end (65) and afourth end (66), wherein the first end of the central member defines atleast a first portion of the first proximal end of the back member, andthe second end of the central member defines at least a first portion ofthe first distal end of the back member.

In certain aspects, the third sleeve of the back member (8) of thebodice is located on the central member (62). In these aspects, thefirst surface of the third sleeve is defined by the inner surface of theback member; the first side of the sleeve is defined by the firstproximal end, the second side of the sleeve is defined by the firstdistal end, the third side of the sleeve is defined by the third end ofthe central member and the fourth side of the sleeve is defined by thefourth end of the central member.

It is further understood that in some aspects, the third sleeve can beconfigured to receive at least one third bulletproof panel (11). Inother aspects, more than one third bulletproof panels can be inserted.In some exemplary aspects, at least two or more third bulletproof panelsare present. In aspects where one or more third bulletproof panels arepresent, the one or more third bulletproof panels can have variousdimensions and can be fit within the third sleeve in any known in theart configuration. In some exemplary aspects, the at least two thirdbulletproof panels can be positioned adjacent to each other. In yetother exemplary aspects, the at least two third bulletproof panelsoverlay each other, for example, forming a stack of the at least twothird bulletproof panels.

In some aspects, the third bulletproof panel has a size substantiallyidentical to the size of the third sleeve. In yet other aspects, thethird bulletproof panel can have a size smaller the size of the thirdsleeve. In still further aspects, the third bulletproof panel can havethe same length as the third sleeve. In other aspects, the thirdbulletproof panel can have the same width as the third sleeve. In stillfurther aspects, the third bulletproof panel can have same length andwidth as the third sleeve. It is understood that if more than one thirdbulletproof panel is present, each of the present third bulletproofpanels can have any size to accommodate the dimensions of the thirdsleeve. In some exemplary, not limiting aspects, at least one of the atleast two or more third bulletproof panels has a size substantiallyidentical to the dimensions of the third sleeve. In yet other exemplary,not limiting aspects, at least one of the at least two or more thirdbulletproof panels has a size smaller than the size of the third sleeve.It is further understood that a number of the third bulletproof panelspresent can be easily adjusted by a user and depend on a specificapplication and a desired weight of the garment.

In certain aspects, the third bulletproof panel can comprise anymaterial capable of adsorbing or dissipating the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof. In yetother aspects, the third bulletproof panel can comprise any materialthat in addition to be able to adsorb and dissipate the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof, is alsoexhibit light weight and provides mobility to a user. In some aspect,the third bulletproof panel can comprise carbon boride, aluminoxynitride, siliconaluminoxy nitride, silicon, metal, and a combinationthereof.

In still further aspects, the back member (8) of the bodice can furthercomprise a third side wing member (67) and a fourth side wing member(68) having a first end (69), a second end (70), a third end (71), and afourth end (72), wherein the third side wing member is configured to bein contact with the central member such that a third end of the thirdside wing member contacts the third side of the central member and thethird end of the fourth wing member contacts the fourth end of thecentral member (FIG. 4 (a-c)). In further aspects, the first ends of theeach of the side wing members can define at least a second portion ofthe first proximal end of the back member, and the second ends of theeach of the side wing members can define at least a second portion ofthe first distal end of the back member. In still further aspects, thefourth ends of the each of the side wing members can define a lateralend of the back member. In yet other aspects, both the third and thefourth side wing members are more flexible than the central member ofthe back member.

In certain aspects, the fourth sleeve (15) of the back member (8) of thebodice is located on the central member. In yet other aspect, the fourthsleeve is located in a center region of the central member of the backmember. In these aspects, the first surface of the fourth sleeve isdefined by the outer surface of the back member. In some aspects, thefourth sleeve has a length substantially identical to a length of theback member. In these aspects, a first side of the fourth sleeve isdefined by a portion of the first proximal end of the back member; thesecond side of the fourth sleeve is defined by a portion of the firstdistal end of the back member. In yet still further aspects, the fourthsleeve is extending between a portion of the first proximal end of thefront member and a portion of the first distal end of the front member.In yet other aspects, the fourth sleeve can have a length that isshorter than a length of the back member. In still further aspects, thefirst side of the fourth sleeve is defined by a portion of the firstproximal end of the back member, while the second side of the fourthsleeve is located at least about 1 inch, at least about 2 inch, at leastabout 3 inch, at least about 4 inch, or at least about 5 inch above thefirst distal end of the back member. In still further aspects, thesecond side of the fourth sleeve is defined by a portion of the firstdistal end of the back member, wherein the first side of the fourthsleeve is located at least about 1 inch, at least about 2 inch, at leastabout 3 inch, at least about 4 inch, or at least about 5 inch below thefirst proximal end of the back member.

In some exemplary aspects, as shown on FIG. 4 (a-c) the fourth sleeve(15) can have a width that is substantially narrower than a width of thecentral member (62) of the back member (8). In some aspects, the fourthsleeve is configured to comprise a body (73), a first leg (75) and asecond leg (76). In certain aspects, the body of the fourth sleeve has acentral axis (74) that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of thebodice of the disclosed garment. In still further aspects, the first leghas a central axis (75 a) that forms a first angle (77) with the centralaxis (74) of the body. In yet other aspects, the second leg of thefourth sleeve has a central axis (76 a) that forms a second angle (78)with the central axis (74) of the body. In still further aspects, thecentral axis of the first leg and the central axis of the second leg ofthe fourth sleeve form a third angle (79) (FIGS. 4-5).

It is understood that the length of the fourth sleeve body and each ofthe fourth sleeve legs can be determined to fit the dimensions of thecentral member of the back member (8) of the bodice. In some aspects,the length of the fourth sleeve body is substantially identical to alength of the first and the second legs of the fourth sleeve. In yetother aspects, the width of the body of the fourth sleeve issubstantially identical to a width of the first and the second legs ofthe fourth sleeve. In some aspects, the first, second, and the thirdangles are substantially the same. In yet other aspects, the first andsecond angles are substantially the same. In yet other aspects, thefirst and second angles are substantially the same, but are greater thanthe third angle. In still other aspects, the first and the second anglesare substantially the same, but smaller than the third angle. In certainaspects, the third angle is different from the first angle. In yet otheraspects, the third angle is different from the second angle. It stillfurther aspects, the first, the second, and the third angles are not thesame and can have any value chosen by one of ordinary skill in the artto accommodate the dimensions of the bodice or provide protection to theuser.

In certain aspects, the fourth sleeve (15) can have one or moreopenings. In some aspects, the body of the fourth sleeve can have atleast one opening. In yet other aspects, the body of the fourth sleevecan have at least two openings. In some aspects, the at least oneopening can be located across the length of the body of the fourthsleeve. In other aspects, the at least one opening can be located acrossthe width of the body of the fourth sleeve. In still further aspects,the first and the second legs of the fourth sleeve can have at least oneopening. In yet other aspects, the first and the second legs of thefourth sleeve can have at least two openings. In some aspects, the atleast one opening on the first and/or the second leg of the fourthsleeve can be located across the length of the first and/or the secondleg of the fourth sleeve. In other aspects, the at least one opening onthe first and/or the second leg of the fourth sleeve can be locatedacross the width of the first and/or the second leg of the fourthsleeve.

In some aspects, the fourth sleeve (15) comprises at least one fifthbulletproof panel (16). In some aspects, the firth bulletproof panel isconfigured to substantially fill the fourth sleeve. In still furtheraspects, one or more of the fifth bulletproof panels are present. In theaspects, wherein the fourth sleeve comprises a body, a first, and asecond leg, each part of the fourth sleeve can comprise one or more ofthe fifth bulletproof panels.

In some aspects, the body of the fourth sleeve comprises at least one ofthe one or more of the fifth bulletproof panels (16). In other aspects,the body of the fourth sleeve comprises at least two or more fifthbulletproof panels. In still other aspects, if more than one fifthbulletproof panel is present in the body of the fourth sleeve, the fifthbulletproof panels can be arranged in any configuration known in theart. In some exemplary aspects, wherein at least two or more fifthbulletproof panels are present in the body of the fourth sleeve, thepanels are stacked on each other and thereby overlay each other in wholeor in part. In yet other exemplary aspects, wherein at least two or morefifth bulletproof panels are present in the body of the fourth sleeve,the panels are placed adjacent to each other.

In some aspects, the fifth bulletproof panel (16) has a sizesubstantially identical to the size of the body of the fourth sleeve(15). In yet other aspects, the fifth bulletproof panel can have a sizesmaller the size of the body of the fourth sleeve. In still furtheraspects, the fifth bulletproof panel can have the same length as thebody of the fourth sleeve. In other aspects, the fifth bulletproof panelcan have the same width as the body of the fourth sleeve. In stillfurther aspects, the fifth bulletproof panel can have same length andwidth as the body of the fourth sleeve. It is understood that if morethan one fifth bulletproof panel is present, each of the present fifthbulletproof panels can have any size to accommodate the dimensions ofthe body of the fourth sleeve. In some exemplary, not limiting aspects,at least one of the at least two or more fifth bulletproof panels has asize substantially identical to the dimensions of the body of the fourthsleeve. In yet other exemplary, not limiting aspects, at least one ofthe at least two or more fifth bulletproof panels has a size smallerthan the size of the body of the fourth sleeve. It is further understoodthat a number of the fifth bulletproof panels present can be easilyadjusted by a user and depend on a specific application and a desiredweight of the garment.

In some aspects, the first and/or the second leg of the fourth sleeve(15) comprises at least one of the one or more of the fifth bulletproofpanels (16). In still further aspects, the at least one of the fifthbulletproof panels is present in the first leg (16 a), in the second leg(16 b), or in both the first and second legs of the fourth sleeve. Inother aspects, the first and/or the second leg of the fourth sleevecomprise at least two or more fifth bulletproof panels. In still otheraspects, if more than one fifth bulletproof panel is present in thefirst and/or the second leg of the fourth sleeve, the fifth bulletproofpanels can be arranged in any configuration known in the art. In someexemplary aspects, wherein at least two or more fifth bulletproof panelsare present in the first and/or the second leg of the fourth sleeve, thepanels are stacked on each other and thereby overlay each other in wholeor in part. In yet other exemplary aspects, wherein at least two or morefifth bulletproof panels are present in the first and/or the second legof the fourth sleeve, the panels are placed adjacent to each other.

In some aspects, the fifth bulletproof panel (16) has a sizesubstantially identical to the size of the first and/or the second legof the fourth sleeve. In yet other aspects, the fifth bulletproof panelcan have a size smaller the size of the first and/or the second leg ofthe fourth sleeve. In still further aspects, the fifth bulletproof panelcan have the same length as the first and/or the second leg of thefourth sleeve. In other aspects, the fifth bulletproof panel can havethe same width as the first and/or the second leg of the fourth sleeve.In still further aspects, the fifth bulletproof panel can have samelength and width as the first and/or the second leg of the fourthsleeve. It is understood that if more than one fifth bulletproof panelis present, each of the present fifth bulletproof panels can have anysize to accommodate the dimensions of the first and/or the second leg ofthe fourth sleeve. In some exemplary, not limiting aspects, at least oneof the at least two or more fifth bulletproof panels has a sizesubstantially identical to the dimensions of the first and/or the secondleg of the fourth sleeve. In yet other exemplary, not limiting aspects,at least one of the at least two or more fifth bulletproof panels has asize smaller than the size of the first and/or the second leg of thefourth sleeve. It is further understood that a number of the fifthbulletproof panels present can be easily adjusted by a user and dependon a specific application and a desired weight of the garment.

In certain aspects, the fifth bulletproof panel (16) can comprise anymaterial capable of adsorbing or dissipating the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof. In yetother aspects, the fifth bulletproof panel can comprise any materialthat in addition to be able to adsorb and dissipate the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof, is alsoexhibit light weight and provides mobility to a user. In some aspect,the fifth bulletproof pane can comprise carbon boride, aluminoxynitride, siliconaluminoxy nitride, silicon, metal, and a combinationthereof.

It is further understood that the dimensions of the body and the legs ofthe fourth sleeve are chosen to protect internal organs of the user, forexample spine or kidneys, from ballistic penetration, puncture,projectile, or percussion wave. In still

In some aspects, the first and the second legs of the fourth sleeve,each extends to the first distal end (61) of the back member (8). Inother aspects, each leg has a first (80) (FIG. 4) and second (80 a) sideedges extending between the first distal end of the back member and thebody of the fourth sleeve. In still further aspects, the first edges ofthe each leg meet at an intersection point. In certain aspects, theintersection point is at least 1 inch above the first distal end of theback member relative to the longitudinal axis of the bodice. In otheraspects, the intersection point is at least 1.5 inch, at least 2 inch,at least 3 inch, at least 4 inch, or at least 5 inch above the firstdistal end of the back member relative to the longitudinal axis of thebodice. In yet other aspects, the intersection point is positioned inalignment with the longitudinal axis of the bodice.

As further shown on FIG. 5 (a-c) in some exemplary aspects, the outersurface of the back member (8) can further comprise a twelfth sleeve(81). In some aspects, the twelfth sleeve is located in a space definedby the first edges of the first and second legs and the first distal endof the back member. In still further aspects, the location of thetwelfth sleeve can be defined by the third angle extending between thefirst and the second legs of the back member of the bodice. In stillfurther aspects, the twelfth sleeve is configured to receive a fifteenthbulletproof panel (82). It further understood that the twelfth sleevecan have any shape known in the art. In some aspects, the twelfth sleevecan have circular, trapezoidal, triangular, or rectangular shape. It isunderstood that the twelfth sleeve can have at least one openingconfigured to insert at least one fifteenth bulletproof panel. In someaspects, the at least one opening can be located anywhere on the twelfthsleeve. In exemplary aspects, where the twelfth sleeve comprises acircular shape, the at least one opening can be located across adiameter of the circle. In other exemplary aspects, where the twelfthsleeve comprises a triangular shape, the at least one opening can belocated across a side or height of the triangular.

In some aspects, at least one fifteenth bulletproof panel (82) ispresent. In other aspects, at least two or more fifteenth bulletproofpanels are present. In still other aspects, if more than one fifteenthbulletproof panel is present, the fifteenth bulletproof panels can bearranged in any configuration known in the art. In some exemplaryaspects, wherein at least two or more fifteenth bulletproof panels arepresent, the panels are stacked on each other and thereby overlay eachother in whole or in part. In yet other exemplary aspects, wherein atleast two or more fifteenth bulletproof panels are present, the panelsare placed adjacent to each other.

In some aspects, the fifteenth bulletproof panel (82) has a sizesubstantially identical to the size of the twelfth sleeve. In yet otheraspects, the fifteenth bulletproof panel can have a size smaller thesize of the twelfth sleeve. In still further aspects, the fifteenthbulletproof panel can have the same length as the twelfth sleeve. Inother aspects, the fifteenth bulletproof panel can have the same widthas the twelfth sleeve. In still further aspects, the fifteenthbulletproof panel can have same length and width as the twelfth sleeve.It is understood that if more than one fifteenth bulletproof panel ispresent, each of the present fifteenth bulletproof panels can have anysize to accommodate the dimensions of the twelfth sleeve. In someexemplary, not limiting aspects, at least one of the at least two ormore fifteenth bulletproof panels has a size substantially identical tothe dimensions of the twelfth sleeve. In yet other exemplary, notlimiting aspects, at least one of the at least two or more fifteenthbulletproof panels has a size smaller than the size of the twelfthsleeve. It is further understood that a number of the fifteenthbulletproof panels present can be easily adjusted by a user and dependon a specific application and a desired weight of the garment.

In certain aspects, the fifteenth bulletproof panel (82) can compriseany material capable of adsorbing or dissipating the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof. In yetother aspects, the fifteenth bulletproof panel can comprise any materialthat in addition to be able to adsorb and dissipate the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof, is alsoexhibit light weight and provides mobility to a user. In some aspect,the fifteenth bulletproof pane can comprise carbon boride, aluminoxynitride, siliconaluminoxy nitride, silicon, metal, and a combinationthereof.

In still further aspects, the one or more of fifteenth bulletproofpanels (82) each individually can have known in the art shape. In someaspects, a shape of the one or more of fifteenth bulletproof panels,each individually can be triangular, trapezoidal, rectangular, circular,or any combination thereof. In still further aspects, if more than oneof fifteenth bulletproof panels is present, the panels can be the sameor different.

In still further aspects, and as shown in FIG. 4 (a-c) the outer surfaceof the back member (8) can further comprise one or more receptacles (13a-13 c) configured to receive one or more of a fourth bulletproof panel(14). It is further understood that in some aspects, each of the one ormore receptacles is configured to receive one or more of the fourthbulletproof panel.

In certain aspects, wherein the one or more of the fourth bulletproofpanels are present, each of the one or more of fourth bulletproof panelsis configured to be interconnected with at least one other fourthbulletproof panel to provide flexibility to the back member. In stillother aspects, the one or more receptacles containing one or more of thefourth bulletproof panels are all interconnected to provide flexibilityto the back member. In certain aspects, each of the one or morereceptacles is connected to at least one other receptacle. In someaspects, the one or more receptacles are located on the central member.In other aspects, the one or more receptacles are located on the centralmember and on the first and the second side wing members.

In still further aspects, the one or more receptacles are placed tooverlay the fourth sleeve, or the twelfth sleeve, or a combinationthereof. In still further aspects, the one or more of receptacles arelocated under the fourth sleeve, or the twelfth sleeve, or a combinationthereof.

In other aspects, if one or more fourth bulletproof panels are presentin one receptacle, the one or more fourth bulletproof panels can bearranged in any known configuration. In some aspects, if at least twofourth bulletproof panels are present in one receptacle, the panels canbe stacked on each other, or to be placed in adjacent to each other.

In some aspects, the fourth bulletproof panel (14) has a sizesubstantially identical to the size of the one or more receptacle. Inyet other aspects, the fourth bulletproof panel can have a size smallerthe size of the one or more receptacle. In still further aspects, thefourth bulletproof panel can have the same length as the one or morereceptacle. In other aspects, the fourth bulletproof panel can have thesame width as the one or more receptacle. In still further aspects, thefourth bulletproof panel can have same length and width as the one ormore receptacle. It is understood that if more than one fourthbulletproof panel, in the same receptacle, is present, each of thepresent fourth bulletproof panels can have any size to accommodate thedimensions of the one or more receptacle. In some exemplary, notlimiting aspects, at least one of the at least two or more fourthbulletproof panels has a size substantially identical to the dimensionsof the one or more receptacle. In yet other exemplary, not limitingaspects, at least one of the at least two or more fourth bulletproofpanels has a size smaller than the size of the one or more receptacle.It is further understood that a number of the fourth bulletproof panelspresent can be easily adjusted by a user and depend on a specificapplication and a desired weight of the garment.

In certain aspects, the fourth bulletproof panel (14) can comprise anymaterial capable of adsorbing or dissipating the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof. In yetother aspects, the fourth bulletproof panel can comprise any materialthat in addition to be able to adsorb and dissipate the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof, is alsoexhibit light weight and provides mobility to a user. In some aspect,the fourth bulletproof panel can comprise carbon boride, aluminoxynitride, siliconaluminoxy nitride, silicon, metal, and a combinationthereof. In still further aspects, the fourth bullet panel can comprisea metal.

In still further aspects, the one or more of fourth bulletproof panelseach individually can have known in the art shape. In some aspects, ashape of the one or more of fourth bulletproof panels each individuallycan be triangular, trapezoidal, rectangular, circular, or anycombination thereof. In still further aspects, if more than one offourth bulletproof panels is present, the panels can be the same ordifferent.

In further aspects, the back member (8) can further comprise at leastone attachment member. In some aspects, the at least one attachmentmember is a hook and a loop fastener, a magnet, a button, a hook, asnap, or any combination thereof. It is understood that in some aspects,the attachment member can be used to connect the back member with thefront member. In yet other aspects, the attachment member can be used toconnect the back member with the first side member. In still furtheraspects, the attachment member can be used to connect the back memberwith the second side member. It is understood that a number ofattachment members can be determined by one of ordinary skill in the artdepending on a specific configuration. In some exemplary aspects, atleast two attachment members are present. In such configuration, theattachment members can be used to connect the back member with the firstside member, with the second side member and with the front member.

In other aspects, the at least one attachment member can be locatedanywhere on the back member (8). In some aspects, the at least oneattachment member can be located on the first proximal end of the backmember. In other aspects, the at least one attachment member can belocated on the first wing of the back member. In still other aspects,the at least one attachment member can be located on the second wing ofthe back member. In yet other aspects, the at least one attachmentmember can be located on the first proximal end of the back member; thefirst wing of the back member; on the second wing of the back member; ora combination thereof.

5. Side Member

In certain aspects, the inventive garment can further comprise a bodicecomprising a first side member (17 a) and a second side member (17 b)(FIG. 6 (a-b)). In some aspects, each of the first side member and thesecond side member can comprise an inner surface (18) and an outersurface (21). In some aspects, the inner surface of each side membercomprises a fifth sleeve (19) configured to receive a sixth bulletproofpanel (20). In other aspects, the outer surface of each side comprisesone or more of receptacles (22 a-22 c) configured to receive one or moreof a seventh bulletproof panel (23). In other aspects, the outer surfaceof each side can further comprise a sixth sleeve (24) configured toreceive an eighth bulletproof panel (25). In certain aspects where thesixth sleeve (24) is present, the sixth sleeve is positioned parallel tothe longitudinal axis (83) of the bodice.

In certain aspects, at least one sixth bulletproof panel (20) ispresent. In other aspects, at least two or more sixth bulletproof panelsare present. In still other aspects, if more than one sixth bulletproofpanel is present, the sixth bulletproof panels can be arranged in anyconfiguration known in the art. In some exemplary aspects, wherein atleast two or more sixth bulletproof panels are present, the panels arestacked on each other or overlay each other. In yet other exemplaryaspects, wherein at least two or more sixth bulletproof panels arepresent, the panels are placed adjacent to each other.

In some aspects, the sixth bulletproof panel has a size substantiallyidentical to the size of the fifth sleeve (19). In yet other aspects,the sixth bulletproof panel can have a size smaller the size of thefifth sleeve. In still further aspects, the sixth bulletproof panel canhave the same length as the fifth sleeve. In other aspects, the sixthbulletproof panel can have the same width as the fifth sleeve. In stillfurther aspects, the sixth bulletproof panel can have same length andwidth as the fifth sleeve. It is understood that if more than one sixthbulletproof panel is present, each of the present sixth bulletproofpanels can have any size to accommodate the dimensions of the fifthsleeve. In some exemplary, not limiting aspects, at least one of the atleast two or more sixth bulletproof panels has a size substantiallyidentical to the dimensions of the fifth sleeve. In yet other exemplary,not limiting aspects, at least one of the at least two or more sixthbulletproof panels has a size smaller than the size of the fifth sleeve.It is further understood that a number of the sixth bulletproof panelspresent can be easily adjusted by a user and depend on a specificapplication and a desired weight of the garment.

In certain aspects, the sixth bulletproof panel can comprise anymaterial capable of adsorbing or dissipating the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof. In yetother aspects, the sixth bulletproof panel can comprise any materialthat in addition to be able to adsorb and dissipate the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof, is alsoexhibit light weight and provides mobility to a user. In some aspect,the sixth bulletproof panel can comprise carbon boride, aluminoxynitride, siliconaluminoxy nitride, silicon, metal, and a combinationthereof.

In still further aspects, and as shown in FIG. 6 (a-b) the outer surfaceof the first and second side members can further comprise one or morereceptacles (22 a-22 c) configured to receive one or more of a seventhbulletproof panel (13). It is further understood that in some aspects,each of the one or more receptacles is configured to receive one or moreof the seventh bulletproof panel.

In certain aspects, wherein the one or more of the seventh bulletproofpanels are present, each of the one or more of seventh bulletproofpanels is configured to be interconnected with at least one otherseventh bulletproof panel to provide flexibility to the first and secondside members. In still other aspects, the one or more receptaclescontaining one or more of the seventh bulletproof panels are allinterconnected to provide flexibility to the first and second sidemembers. In certain aspects, each of the one or more receptacles isconnected to at least one other receptacle. In some aspects, the one ormore receptacles are located on the central member. In other aspects,the one or more receptacles are located on the central member and on thefirst and the second side wing members.

In other aspects, if one or more seventh bulletproof panels are presentin one receptacle, the one or more seventh bulletproof panels can bearranged in any known configuration. In some aspects, if at least twoseventh bulletproof panels are present in one receptacle, the panels canbe stacked on each other, or to be placed in adjacent to each other.

In some aspects, the seventh bulletproof panel (23) has a sizesubstantially identical to the size of the one or more receptacle. Inyet other aspects, the seventh bulletproof panel can have a size smallerthe size of the one or more receptacle. In still further aspects, theseventh bulletproof panel can have the same length as the one or morereceptacle. In other aspects, the seventh bulletproof panel can have thesame width as the one or more receptacle. In still further aspects, theseventh bulletproof panel can have same length and width as the one ormore receptacle. It is understood that if more than one seventhbulletproof panel, in the same receptacle, is present, each of thepresent seventh bulletproof panels can have any size to accommodate thedimensions of the one or more receptacle. In some exemplary, notlimiting aspects, at least one of the at least two or more seventhbulletproof panels has a size substantially identical to the dimensionsof the one or more receptacle. In yet other exemplary, not limitingaspects, at least one of the at least two or more seventh bulletproofpanels has a size smaller than the size of the one or more receptacle.It is further understood that a number of the seventh bulletproof panelspresent can be easily adjusted by a user and depend on a specificapplication and a desired weight of the garment.

In certain aspects, the seventh bulletproof panel (23) can comprise anymaterial capable of adsorbing or dissipating the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof. In yetother aspects, the seventh bulletproof panel can comprise any materialthat in addition to be able to adsorb and dissipate the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof, is alsoexhibit light weight and provides mobility to a user. In some aspect,the seventh bulletproof panel can comprise carbon boride, aluminoxynitride, siliconaluminoxy nitride, silicon, metal, and a combinationthereof. In still further aspects, the seventh bullet panel can comprisea metal.

In still further aspects, the one or more of seventh bulletproof panelseach individually can have known in the art shape. In some aspects, ashape of the one or more of seventh bulletproof panels each individuallycan be triangular, trapezoidal, rectangular, circular, or anycombination thereof. In still further aspects, if more than one ofseventh bulletproof panels is present, the panels can be the same ordifferent.

In certain aspects, the sixth sleeve (24) of each of the first and thesecond side members of the bodice is located on the central part of eachof the first and the second side members. In yet other aspect, the sixthsleeve is located in a center region of each of the first and the secondside members. In these aspects, the first surface of the sixth sleeve isdefined by the outer surface of each of the first the second sidemembers. In some aspects, the sixth sleeve has a length substantiallyidentical to a length of each of the first and the second side members.In these aspects, a first side of the sixth sleeve is defined by thefirst proximal end of each of the first and the second side members; thesecond side of the sixth sleeve is defined by the first distal end ofeach of the first and the second side members. In yet still furtheraspects, the sixth sleeve is extending between the first proximal end ofeach of the first and the second side members and the first distal endof each of the first and the second side members. In yet other aspects,the sixth sleeve (24) can have a length that is shorter than a length ofeach of the first and the second side members.

In some exemplary aspects and as shown on FIG. 6 (a-b), the sixth sleevecan have a width that is substantially narrower than a width of each ofthe first and the second side members. In some aspects, the sixth sleevecomprises at least one eighth bulletproof panel (25).

In still further aspects, the sixth sleeve (24) can have at least oneopening. In still further aspects, the sixth sleeve can have at leasttwo openings. In some aspects, the at least one opening can be locatedacross the length of the sixth sleeve. In yet other aspect, at least oneopening is located across the width of the sixth sleeve.

In other aspects, at least two or more eighth bulletproof (25) panelsare present. In still other aspects, if more than one eighth bulletproofpanel (25) is present, the eighth bulletproof panels can be arranged inany configuration known in the art. In some exemplary aspects, whereinat least two or more eighth bulletproof panels are present, the panelsare stacked on each other or overlay each other. In yet other exemplaryaspects, wherein at least two or more eighth bulletproof panels (25) arepresent, the panels are placed adjacent to each other.

In some aspects, the eighth bulletproof (25) panel has a sizesubstantially identical to the size of the sixth sleeve (24). In yetother aspects, the eighth bulletproof panel can have a size smaller thesize of the sixth sleeve. In still further aspects, the eighthbulletproof panel can have the same length as the sixth sleeve. In otheraspects, the eighth bulletproof panel can have the same width as thesixth sleeve. In still further aspects, the eighth bulletproof panel canhave same length and width as the sixth sleeve. It is understood that ifmore than one eighth bulletproof panel is present, each of the presenteighth bulletproof panels can have any size to accommodate thedimensions of the sixth sleeve. In some exemplary, not limiting aspects,at least one of the at least two or more eighth bulletproof panels has asize substantially identical to the dimensions of the sixth sleeve. Inyet other exemplary, not limiting aspects, at least one of the at leasttwo or more eighth bulletproof panels has a size smaller than the sizeof the sixth sleeve. It is further understood that a number of theeighth bulletproof panels present can be easily adjusted by a user anddepend on a specific application and a desired weight of the garment.

In certain aspects, the eighth bulletproof (25) panel can comprise anymaterial capable of adsorbing or dissipating the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof. In yetother aspects, the eighth bulletproof panel can comprise any materialthat in addition to be able to adsorb and dissipate the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof, is alsoexhibit light weight and provides mobility to a user. In some aspect,the eighth bulletproof panel can comprise carbon boride, aluminoxynitride, siliconaluminoxy nitride, silicon, metal, and a combinationthereof.

In further aspects, each of the first and the second side members canfurther comprise at least one attachment member. In some aspects, the atleast one attachment member is a hook and a loop fastener, a magnet, abutton, a hook, a snap, or any combination thereof. It is understoodthat in some aspects, the attachment member is configured to connect thefirst and the second side members with the front and the back members ofthe bodice. It is understood that a number of attachment members can bedetermined by one of ordinary skill in the art depending on a specificconfiguration. In some exemplary aspects, at least two attachmentmembers are present.

In other aspects, the at least one attachment member can be locatedanywhere on each of the first and the second side members. In someaspects, the at least one attachment member can be located on the firstproximal end of each of the first and the second side members.

It is understood from this disclosure that the front member, the backmember, the first and the second side members together can define afirst arm opening, a second arm opening, and a head opening to form thebodice that can be worn by the user.

6. Aspects

In view of the described garment comprising a bodice configured toabsorb and dissipate the energy from a projectile, puncture, percussionwave, or a combination thereof, and provide mobility to a user, hereinbelow are described certain more particularly described aspects of theinvention. These particularly recited aspects should not however beinterpreted to have any limiting effect on any different claimscontaining different or more general teachings described herein, or thatthe “particular” aspects are somehow limited in some way other than theinherent meanings of the language and formulas literally used therein.

Aspect 1: A garment comprising a bodice having a longitudinal axis, thebodice comprising: a) a front member (1) comprising: i) an inner surface(2) comprising a first sleeve (3) configured to receive a firstbulletproof panel (4); ii) an outer surface (5) comprising a secondsleeve (6) configured to receive a second bulletproof panel (7), whereinthe second sleeve is positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis (83)of the bodice; b) a back member (8) comprising: i) an inner surface (9)comprising a third sleeve (10) configured to receive a third bulletproofpanel (11); ii) an outer surface (12) comprising: 1) one or morereceptacles (13 a-13 c) configured to receive one or more of a fourthbulletproof panel (14); 2) a fourth sleeve (15) configured to receive afifth bulletproof panel (16), wherein the fourth sleeve is positionedparallel to the longitudinal axis (83) of the bodice; c) a first sidemember (17 a) and a second side member (17 b), each comprising: i) aninner surface (18), wherein the inner surface of each side membercomprises a fifth sleeve (19) configured to receive a sixth bulletproofpanel (20); ii) an outer surface (21), wherein the outer surface of eachside member comprises: 1) one or more of receptacles (22 a-22 c)configured to receive one or more of a seventh bulletproof panel (23);2) a sixth sleeve (24) configured to receive an eighth bulletproof panel(25), wherein the sixth sleeve is positioned parallel to thelongitudinal axis (83) of the bodice; wherein the front member, the backmember, the first and the second side members together define a firstarm opening, a second arm opening, and a head opening; and wherein thebodice is configured to absorb and dissipate the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof andprovide mobility to a user.

Aspect 2: The garment of aspect 1, wherein the front member of thebodice further comprises: a) a first proximal end (26) and a firstdistal end (27); b) a central member (28) having a first end (29), asecond end (30), a third end (31), and a fourth end (32), wherein thefirst end of the central member defines at least a first portion of thefirst proximal end of the front member, and the second end of thecentral member defines at least a first portion of the first distal endof the front member; and c) a first side wing member (33) and a secondside wing (34) member having a first (35), a second (36), a third (37),and a fourth ends (38), wherein the first side wing member is configuredto be in contact with the central member such that a third end of thefirst side wing member contacts the third side of the central member andthe third end of the second wing member contacts the fourth end of thecentral member; wherein the first ends (35) of the each of the side wingmembers define at least a second portion of the first proximal end ofthe front member, and the second ends (36) of the each of the side wingmembers define at least a second portion of the first distal end of thefront member; wherein the fourth ends (38) of the each of the side wingmembers define a lateral end of the front member; and wherein both thefirst and the second side wing members are more flexible than thecentral member.

Aspect 3: The garment of aspect 2, wherein the first sleeve of the frontmember of the bodice is located on the central member.

Aspect 4: The garment of any one of aspects 1-3, wherein at least onefirst bulletproof panel (4) is present.

Aspect 5: The garment of aspect 4, wherein at least two firstbulletproof panels are present and wherein the first bulletproof panelsare stacked on each other.

Aspect 6: The garment of any one of aspects 4-5, wherein the firstbulletproof panel (4) has a size substantially identical to the size ofthe first sleeve.

Aspect 7: The garment of aspect 4, wherein at least two firstbulletproof panels are present and wherein the first bulletproof panelsare placed adjacent to each other.

Aspect 8: The garment of any one of aspects 2-7, wherein the secondsleeve of the bodice is located on the central member of the frontmember.

Aspect 9: The garment of aspect 8, wherein the second sleeve of thebodice is located in a center region of the central member of the frontmember.

Aspect 10: The garment of any one of aspects 1-9, wherein the bodicecomprises the second sleeve having a length substantially identical to alength of the front member; and wherein the bodice comprises the secondsleeve extending between the first proximal end of the front member andthe first distal end of the front member.

Aspect 11: The garment of any one of aspects 1-9, wherein the secondsleeve has a length shorter than a length of the front member.

Aspect 12: The garment of any one of aspects 2-11, wherein the frontmember further comprises at least one attachment member (39, 40).

Aspect 13: The garment of aspect 12, wherein the at least one attachmentmember is a hook and a loop fastener, a magnet, a button, a hook, asnap, or any combination thereof.

Aspect 14: The garment of any one of aspects 12-13, wherein the at leastone attachment is located on the first proximal end of the front member;the first side wing of the front member; on the second side wing of thefront member; or a combination thereof.

Aspect 15: The garment of any one of aspects 2-14, wherein the outersurface of the front member further comprises a seventh sleeve (41)located on the central member of the front member and orientedperpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the bodice, wherein theseventh sleeve is configured to receive a ninth bulletproof panel (42).

Aspect 16: The garment of aspect 15, wherein the seventh sleeve (41) islocated at least about 1 inch above the first distal end of the frontmember.

Aspect 17: The garment of any one of aspects 15 or 16, wherein theseventh sleeve (41) overlays the second sleeve.

Aspect 18: The garment of any one of aspects 15 or 16, wherein thesecond sleeve overlays the seventh sleeve.

Aspect 19: The garment of any one of aspects 15-18, wherein the lengthof the seventh sleeve (41) is substantially identical to a width of thecentral member of the front member and extends between the third end andthe fourth end of the central member.

Aspect 20: The garment of any one of aspects 2-19, wherein the outersurface of the front member further comprises, an eighth sleeve (43 a),wherein the eighth sleeve is located on a left side of the centralmember of the front member, wherein the eighth sleeve is configured toreceive at least one tenth bulletproof panel (44-47).

Aspect 21: The garment of aspect 20, wherein one or more of the tenthbulletproof panel (44-47) are present.

Aspect 22: The garment of aspect 21, wherein a shape of the one or moreof tenth bulletproof panels (44-47), each individually is triangular,trapezoidal, rectangular, circular, or any combination thereof.

Aspect 23: The garment of aspects 21 or 22, wherein the one or more oftenth bulletproof panels (44-47) are the same or different.

Aspect 24: The garment of any one of aspects 2-23, wherein the outersurface of the front member further comprises, a ninth sleeve (43 b),wherein the ninth sleeve (43 b) is located on a right side of thecentral member of the front member, wherein the ninth sleeve isconfigured to receive a eleventh bulletproof panel.

Aspect 25: The garment of aspect 24, wherein at least two of theeleventh bulletproof panels (44-47) are present.

Aspect 26: The garment of aspect 25, wherein a shape of the one or moreof eleventh bulletproof panels (44-47), each individually is triangular,trapezoidal, rectangular, circular, or any combination thereof.

Aspect 27: The garment of aspects 25 or 26, wherein the one or more ofeleventh bulletproof panels are the same or different.

Aspect 28: The garment of any one of aspects 20-27, wherein the eighthsleeve (43 a) and the ninth sleeve (43 b) are located at a predetermineddistance from the second sleeve and are each located on an opposite sideof the second sleeve.

Aspect 29: The garment of any one of aspects 1-28, wherein the outersurface of the front member further comprises a decorative member (48).

Aspect 30: The garment of aspect 29, wherein the decorative member (48)is a button, a logo, an emblem, a design, or any combination thereof.

Aspect 31: The garment of any one of aspects 15-30, wherein one or moreof the ninth bulletproof panels (42) are present.

Aspect 32: The garment of aspect 31, wherein at least two of the ninthbulletproof panels (42) are present and are adjacent to each other.

Aspect 33: The garment of aspect 32, wherein at least two of the ninthbulletproof panels (42) are present and overlay each other.

Aspect 34: The garment of any one of aspects 31-33, wherein a shape ofthe one or more of ninth bulletproof panels, each individually istriangular, trapezoidal, rectangular, circular, or any combinationthereof.

Aspect 35: The garment of any one of aspects 2-34, wherein the outersurface of the front member further comprises one or more receptacles(49) configured to receive one or more of a twelfth bulletproof panel(50).

Aspect 36: The garment of aspect 35, wherein each of the one or more ofreceptacles is configured to receive one or more of the twelfthbulletproof panel.

Aspect 37: The garment of any one of aspects 35 or 36, wherein the oneor more of the twelfth bulletproof panels are present, and wherein eachof the one or more of twelfth bulletproof panels is configured to beinterconnected with at least one other twelfth bulletproof panel toprovide flexibility to the front member.

Aspect 38: The garment of any one of aspects 35-37, wherein the one ormore receptacles are located on the central member.

Aspect 39: The garment of any one of aspects 35-38, wherein the one ormore of receptacles overlays the second sleeve, the seventh sleeve (41),the eighth sleeve (43 a), or the ninth sleeve (43 b), or a combinationthereof.

Aspect 40: The garment of any one of aspects 35-39, wherein the one ormore of receptacles are located under the second sleeve, the seventhsleeve, the eights sleeve, or the ninth sleeve, or a combinationthereof.

Aspect 41: The garment of any one of aspects 35-40, wherein a shape ofthe one or more thirteenth bulletproof panels, each individually istriangular, trapezoidal, rectangular, circular, or any combinationthereof.

Aspect 42: The garment of any one of aspects 1-41, wherein the frontmember further comprises a first and a second shoulder member (51), eachhaving an inner surface and an outer surface.

Aspect 43: The garment of aspect 42, wherein the inner surface of theeach of the first and the second shoulder member (51) comprises a tenthsleeve (52) configured to receive a thirteenth bulletproof panel (53).

Aspect 44: The garment of aspects 42 or 43, wherein the first and thesecond shoulder members are configured to be connected to the frontmember and the back member (8) of the bodice.

Aspect 45: The garment of aspect 43 or 44, wherein one or morethirteenth bulletproof panels are present.

Aspect 46: The garment of any one of aspects 1-45, further comprising atleast one neck guard member (54, 55) having an inner surface (56, 56 a)and an outer surface (57, 57 a), and wherein the inner surface comprisesan eleventh sleeve (58, 58 a) configured to receive a fourteenthbulletproof panel (59).

Aspect 47: The garment of aspect 46, wherein one or more fourteenthbulletproof panels (59) are present.

Aspect 48: The garment of aspect 46, wherein at least two of thefourteenth bulletproof panel (59) are present.

Aspect 49: The garment of any one of aspects 46-48, wherein the at leastone neck guard member (54, 55) is a flexible neck guard memberconfigured to adjust to a circumference of neck.

Aspect 50: The garment of any one of aspects 46-49, wherein the at leastone neck guard member (54, 55) is configured to connect with theshoulder member (51), the front member (1), the back member (8), or acombination thereof.

Aspect 51: The garment of any one of aspects 1-50, wherein the backmember (8) comprises: a) a first proximal end (60) and a first distalend (61); b) a central member (62) having a first end (63), a second end(64), a third end (65) and a fourth end (66), wherein the first end ofthe central member defines at least a first portion of the firstproximal end of the back member, and the second end of the centralmember defines at least a first portion of the first distal end of theback member; and c) a third side wing member (67) and a fourth side wingmember (68) having a first end (69), a second end (70), a third end(71), and a fourth end (72), wherein the third side wing member isconfigured to be in contact with the central member such that a thirdend of the third side wing member contacts the third side of the centralmember and the third end of the fourth wing member contacts the fourthend of the central member, wherein the first ends of the each of theside wing members define at least a second portion of the first proximalend of the back member, and the second ends of the each of the side wingmembers define at least a second portion of the first distal end of theback member; wherein the fourth ends of the each of the side wingmembers defines a lateral end of the back member; and wherein both thethird and the fourth side wing members are more flexible than thecentral member of the back member.

Aspect 52: The garment of aspect 51, wherein the back member (8) furthercomprises at least one attachment member.

Aspect 53: The garment of aspect 52, wherein the at least one attachmentmember is a hook and a loop fastener, a magnet, a button, a hook, asnap, or any combination thereof.

Aspect 54: The garment of any one of aspects 52-53, wherein the at leastone attachment is located on: the first proximal end of the back member;the first wing of the back member; the second wing of the back member;or a combination thereof.

Aspect 55: The garment of any one of aspects 1-54, wherein the thirdbulletproof panel is present and has a size substantially the same asthe third sleeve.

Aspect 56: The garment of aspect 55, wherein at least two of the thirdbulletproof panels are present.

Aspect 57: The garment of aspect 56, wherein the at least two of thethird bulletproof panels overlay each other.

Aspect 58: The garment of aspect 56, wherein the at least two of thethird bulletproof panels are placed adjacent to each other.

Aspect 59: The garment of any one of aspects 1-58, wherein the fourthbulletproof panel is present (14).

Aspect 60: The garment of aspect 59, wherein a shape of the fourthbulletproof panels, each individually is triangular, trapezoidal,rectangular, circular, or any combination thereof.

Aspect 61: The garment of any one of aspects 51-60, wherein the fourthsleeve (15) is located on the central member.

Aspect 62: The garment of aspect 61, wherein the fourth sleeve (15) islocated in a center region of the central member.

Aspect 63: The garment of any one of aspects 1-62, wherein the fourthsleeve comprises a body (73) and a first leg (75) and a second leg (76).

Aspect 64: The garment of aspect 63, wherein the body of the fourthsleeve has a central axis (74) that is parallel to the longitudinal axis(83) of the bodice.

Aspect 65: The garment of aspects 63 or 64, wherein the first leg has acentral axis (75 a) that forms a first angle (77) with the central axis(74) of the body.

Aspect 66: The garment of any one of aspects 63-65, wherein the secondleg has a central axis (76 a) that forms a second angle (78) with thecentral axis (74) of the body.

Aspect 67: The garment of any one of aspects 63-66, wherein the centralaxis of the first leg and the central axis of the second leg of thefourth sleeve form a third angle (79).

Aspect 68: The garment of any one of aspects 63-67, wherein the first(77), the second (78) and the third angles (79) are substantially thesame.

Aspect 69: The garment of any one of aspects 63-67, wherein the first(77) and the second angles (78) are substantially the same.

Aspect 70: The garment of any one of aspects 63-67, wherein the thirdangle (79) is different from the first angle (77).

Aspect 71: The garment of any one of aspects 63-67, wherein the thirdangle (79) is different from the second angle (78).

Aspect 72: The garment of any one of aspects 1-71, wherein the fifthbulletproof panel (16) is configured to substantially fill the fourthsleeve (15).

Aspect 73: The garment of any one of aspects 1-72, wherein one or moreof the fifth bulletproof panel (16) is present.

Aspect 74: The garment of any one of aspects 63-73, wherein the body ofthe fourth sleeve comprises at least one of the one or more of fifthbulletproof panels.

Aspect 75: The garment of any one of aspects 63-74, wherein at least oneof the fifth bulletproof panels (16) is present in the first leg (16 a),in the second leg (16 b), or in both the first and second legs.

Aspect 76: The garment of any one of aspects 63-75, wherein the firstand the second legs of the fourth sleeve each extends to the firstdistal end (61) of the back member (8); and wherein each leg has a first(80) and second side (80 a) edges extending between the first distal endof the back member and the body of the fourth sleeve.

Aspect 77: The garment of aspect 76, wherein the first edges of the eachlegs meet at intersection point, and wherein the intersection point isat least 1 inch above the first distal end of the back member (8)relative to the longitudinal axis of the bodice; and wherein theintersection point is positioned in alignment with the longitudinal axisof the bodice.

Aspect 78: The garment of any one of aspects 76-77, wherein the outersurface of the back member (8) further comprises a twelfth sleeve (81)configured to receive a fifteenth bulletproof panel (82), and is locatedin a space defined by the first edges of the first and second legs andthe first distal end of the back member.

Aspect 79: The garment of aspect 78, wherein one or more fifteenthbulletproof panel is present (82).

Aspect 80: The garment of aspect 79, wherein a shape of the one or moreof the fifteenth bulletproof panels, each individually is circular,triangular, or a combination thereof.

Aspect 81: The garment of any one of aspects 1-80, wherein at least onesixth bulletproof panel (20) is present.

Aspect 82: The garment of any one of aspects 1-81, wherein the one ormore seventh bulletproof panels (23) is positioned in one or morereceptacles of the first and second side members configured to provideflexibility to the first and second side members.

Aspect 83: The garment of any one of aspects 1-82, wherein at least oneeighth bulletproof (25) panel is present.

Aspect 84: The garment of any one of aspect 83, wherein the eighthbulletproof panel (25) is positioned in a center region of the first andthe second side members.

Aspect 85: The garment of any one of aspects 1-84, wherein the first andthe second side members comprise an attachment member configured toconnect the first and the second side members with the front and theback members of the bodice.

Aspect 86: The garment of any one of aspects 1-85, wherein the first tothe seventh bulletproof panels each independently comprises a materialselected from the group consisting of carbon boride, aluminoxy nitride,siliconaluminoxy nitride, silicon, metal, and a combination thereof.

Aspect 87: The garment of any one of aspects 41-86, wherein thethirteenth bulletproof panel comprises silicon.

Aspect 88: The garment of any one of aspects 1-87, wherein the fourth,seventh, and twelfth, bulletproof panel comprise metal.

Aspect 89: The garment of any one of aspects 1-88, wherein the first tothe third, the sixth, the eighth to twelfth, and fifteenth bulletproofpanel comprises a material selected from the group consisting ofaluminoxy nitride, siliconaluminoxy nitride, and a combination thereof.

1. A garment comprising a bodice having a longitudinal axis, the bodicecomprising: a) a front member comprising: i) an inner surface comprisinga first sleeve configured to receive a first bulletproof panel; ii) anouter surface comprising a second sleeve configured to receive a secondbulletproof panel, wherein the second sleeve is positioned parallel tothe longitudinal axis of the bodice; b) a back member comprising: i) aninner surface comprising a third sleeve configured to receive a thirdbulletproof panel; ii) an outer surface comprising: 1) one or morereceptacles configured to receive one or more of a fourth bulletproofpanel; 2) a fourth sleeve configured to receive a fifth bulletproofpanel, wherein the fourth sleeve is positioned parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the bodice; c) a first side member and a secondside member, each comprising: i) an inner surface, wherein the innersurface of each side member comprises a fifth sleeve configured toreceive a sixth bulletproof panel; ii) an outer surface, wherein theouter surface of each side member comprises: 1) one or more ofreceptacles configured to receive one or more of a seventh bulletproofpanel; 2) a sixth sleeve configured to receive an eighth bulletproofpanel, wherein the sixth sleeve is positioned parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the bodice; wherein the front member, the backmember, the first and the second side members together define a firstarm opening, a second arm opening, and a head opening; and wherein thebodice is configured to absorb and dissipate the energy from aprojectile, puncture, percussion wave, or a combination thereof andprovide mobility to a user.
 2. The garment of claim 1, wherein the frontmember of the bodice further comprises: a) a first proximal end and afirst distal end; b) a central member having a first end, a second end,a third end, and a fourth end, wherein the first end of the centralmember defines at least a first portion of the first proximal end of thefront member, and the second end of the central member defines at leasta first portion of the first distal end of the front member; and c) afirst side wing member and a second side wing member having a first, asecond, a third, and a fourth ends, wherein the first side wing memberis configured to be in contact with the central member such that a thirdend of the first side wing member contacts the third side of the centralmember and the third end of the second wing member contacts the fourthend of the central member; wherein the first ends of the each of theside wing members define at least a second portion of the first proximalend of the front member, and the second ends of the each of the sidewing members define at least a second portion of the first distal end ofthe front member; wherein the fourth ends of the each of the side wingmembers define a lateral end of the front member; and wherein both thefirst and the second side wing members are more flexible than thecentral member.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The garment of claim 2, wherein thefront member further comprises at least one attachment member.
 4. Thegarment of claim 3, wherein the at least one attachment is located onthe first proximal end of the front member; the first side wing of thefront member; on the second side wing of the front member; or acombination thereof.
 5. The garment of claim 2, wherein the outersurface of the front member further comprises a seventh sleeve locatedon the central member of the front member and oriented perpendicularlyto the longitudinal axis of the bodice, wherein the seventh sleeve isconfigured to receive a ninth bulletproof panel.
 6. The garment of claim5, wherein the seventh sleeve overlays the second sleeve.
 7. The garmentof claim 5, wherein the second sleeve overlays the seventh sleeve. 8.The garment of claim 2, wherein the outer surface of the front memberfurther comprises, an eighth sleeve, wherein the eighth sleeve islocated on a left side of the central member of the front member,wherein the eighth sleeve is configured to receive at least one tenthbulletproof panel.
 9. The garment of claim 2, wherein the outer surfaceof the front member further comprises, a ninth sleeve, wherein the ninthsleeve is located on a right side of the central member of the frontmember, wherein the ninth sleeve is configured to receive a eleventhbulletproof panel.
 10. The garment of claim 9, wherein at least two ofthe eleventh bulletproof panels are present.
 11. The garment of claim 9,wherein the eighth sleeve and the ninth sleeve are located at apredetermined distance from the second sleeve and are each located on anopposite side of the second sleeve.
 12. The garment of claim 1, whereinthe outer surface of the front member further comprises a decorativemember.
 13. The garment of claim 2, wherein the outer surface of thefront member further comprises one or more receptacles configured toreceive one or more of a twelfth bulletproof panel.
 14. The garment ofclaim 1, wherein the front member further comprises a first and a secondshoulder member, each having an inner surface and an outer surface. 15.The garment of claim 14, wherein the inner surface of the each of thefirst and the second shoulder member comprises a tenth sleeve configuredto receive a thirteenth bulletproof panel.
 16. The garment of claim 1,further comprising at least one neck guard member having an innersurface and an outer surface, and wherein the inner surface comprises aneleventh sleeve configured to receive a fourteenth bulletproof panel.17. The garment of claim 1, wherein the back member comprises: a) afirst proximal end and a first distal end; b) a central member having afirst end, a second end, a third end and a fourth end, wherein the firstend of the central member defines at least a first portion of the firstproximal end of the back member, and the second end of the centralmember defines at least a first portion of the first distal end of theback member; and c) a third side wing member and a fourth side wingmember having a first end, a second end, a third end, and a fourth end,wherein the third side wing member is configured to be in contact withthe central member such that a third end of the third side wing membercontacts the third side of the central member and the third end of thefourth wing member contacts the fourth end of the central member,wherein the first ends of the each of the side wing members define atleast a second portion of the first proximal end of the back member, andthe second ends of the each of the side wing members define at least asecond portion of the first distal end of the back member; wherein thefourth ends of the each of the side wing members defines a lateral endof the back member; and wherein both the third and the fourth side wingmembers are more flexible than the central member of the back member.18. The garment of claim 17, wherein the back member further comprisesat least one attachment member.
 19. The garment of claim 1, wherein thefourth sleeve comprises a body and a first leg and a second leg.
 20. Thegarment of claim 19, wherein the body of the fourth sleeve has a centralaxis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bodice.
 21. Thegarment of claim 19, wherein the first leg has a central axis that formsa first angle with the central axis of the body.
 22. The garment ofclaim 21, wherein the second leg has a central axis that forms a secondangle with the central axis of the body.
 23. The garment of claim 22,wherein the central axis of the first leg and the central axis of thesecond leg of the fourth sleeve form a third angle.
 24. The garment ofany one of claim 23, wherein the first, the second and the third anglesare substantially the same.
 25. The garment of claim 23, wherein thefirst and the second angles are substantially the same.
 26. The garmentof claim 19, wherein the outer surface of the back member furthercomprises a twelfth sleeve configured to receive a fifteenth bulletproofpanel, and is located in a space defined by first edges of the first andsecond legs and the first distal end of the back member.
 27. The garmentof claim 5, wherein the first to the seventh bulletproof panels eachindependently comprises a material selected from the group consisting ofcarbon boride, aluminoxy nitride, siliconaluminoxy nitride, silicon,metal, and a combination thereof.
 28. The garment of claim 15, whereinthe thirteenth bulletproof panel comprises silicon.
 29. The garment ofclaim 26, wherein the fourth, seventh, and twelfth, bulletproof panelcomprise metal.
 30. The garment of claim 26, wherein the first to thethird, the sixth, the eighth to twelfth, and fifteenth bulletproof panelcomprises a material selected from the group consisting of aluminoxynitride, siliconaluminoxy nitride, and a combination thereof.
 31. Thegarment of claim 1, wherein the bodice comprises the second sleevehaving a length substantially identical to a length of the front member;and wherein the bodice comprises the second sleeve extending between thefirst proximal end of the front member and the first distal end of thefront member.